Food Scientist

The Food Scientist I reports directly to the Product Development & Commercialization Lead and is responsible for translating validated technical platforms into scalable, launch-ready commercial products within the snack and confectionery portfolio.

This role focuses on formula finalization, scale-up execution, supplier coordination, and commercialization readiness. The position plays a critical role in ensuring products move efficiently from development to successful market launch while meeting performance, quality, and compliance requirements.

The Food Scientist I operates within the Product Development & Commercialization Team and works cross-functionally with Technical & Research, QA, Operations, Procurement, Engineering and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Formula Finalization & Optimization

· Refine and finalize product formulations for commercial readiness.

· Optimize formulas for manufacturability, cost targets, and sensory performance.

· Align bench, pilot, and production formulations.

· Maintain master formulas in designated systems (e.g., SpecRight).

· Ensure formula accuracy aligning with NFP and artwork.

2. Pre-Launch Analytical Validation

· Coordinate and verify required analytical testing prior to commercialization.

· Establish internal product quality standards (texture, moisture range, sensory benchmarks).

· Review analytical data to confirm product consistency and compliance with specification limits.

· Ensure discrepancies between formula and analytical output are resolved prior to launch.

· Support validation of NFP calculations through correct formula alignment.

3. Pre-Launch Compliance & Regulatory Validation

· Ensure formula used for NFP matches production activities with allowed variations.

· Confirm documentation required for audit and regulatory review is complete before launch.

· Proactively identify compliance risks during development phase before artwork is finalized.

4. Scale-Up & Commercial Trials

· Plan and execute pilot and commercial production trials.

· Define and validate critical process parameters in collaboration with Operations.

· Troubleshoot production challenges (texture variation, moisture migration, ingredient interactions).

· Document trial outcomes and quality information.

5. Launch Execution & Cross-Functional Coordination

· Coordinate cross-functional launch readiness activities.

· Ensure all documentation (formula, specification, analytical validation, compliance review) is complete prior to commercialization.

· Partner with QA Compliance for final label approval.

· Participate in sprint reviews and escalation discussions led by the Project Manager.

6. Portfolio Management & Continuous Improvement

· Support cost optimization and formula renovation initiatives.

· Investigate product performance complaints (staleness, hardness, sensory deviation).

· Implement corrective actions to maintain product quality and brand integrity.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.

1–3+ years of experience in snack and/or confectionery product development.

Experience supporting pilot and commercial production.

Working knowledge of: Water activity & moisture control; Texture analysis; Nutrition labeling fundamentals; Basic FDA labeling and compliance requirements